POLICE say 19 arrests were made in Southport during this year’s Orange Lodge march.

More than 3,000 members descended on our town centre on Monday for their traditional July 12 parade.

The event has resulted in anti-social behaviour in previous years and Merseyside Police say arrests were made this year for public order and drug offences.

A spokesman for the force told the Visiter: “It is inevitable when you have a big group event that some arrests will be made. The offences this year were relatively minor – some drunk and disorderly and minor drug possession offences.”

The annual parade is held to commemorate the Battle of the Boyne in Ireland, when the Protestant King William defeated the Catholic James II in 1690.

Supporters travelled by train and also hired 30 coaches to take them to Southport where they marched through the streets as crowds watched on.

The procession was made up of marching bands from across Liverpool, children in costumes and badged Orange Lodge members.

British Transport Police Inspector Kenneth McVey, who led operations at Southport train station, said: “One of the problems which can arise is when the bands get on the train to travel back to Liverpool – the supporters rush on to follow them and we have to make sure no-one is injured.

“Merseyrail ensured all trains running between Liverpool and Southport were six-car, to accommodate everyone and they also have a bylaw which prevents any alcohol being consumed on their trains.

“We also ensured we had officers based on every platform between Liverpool and Southport so they would be well-placed to deal with any incidents at any time.”

l WHAT do you think of the Orange Parade march in Southport? Email us at: visiternews@southportvisiter.co.uk or write to: Your Views, Southport Visiter, 26-32 Tulketh St, Southport PR8 1BT.